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What Kind of Dad Are You (And Does It Even Matter?)

A dad and daughter lying on a bed, sharing a quiet, thoughtful moment together-highlighting that showing up with presence and curiosity matters more than fitting any “dad type.”

You know the types.


The Fun Dad with the loud shirts and louder fart jokes. The Strict Dad who turns off the Wi-Fi like he’s disarming a bomb. The Clueless Dad who can operate a chainsaw but not the school app. And of course, Hot Dad at soccer, who peaked in Year 12 and knows it.


We laugh because they’re familiar. Still, while these dad caricatures get a chuckle, they don’t really tell you who you are as a parent - or what kind of dad your kid actually needs.



The “Dad Types” We Joke About


Google "types of dads" and you’ll get more flavours than a Woolies freezer. The Zen Dad. The Drill Sergeant. The Breadwinner. The Soft Touch. The Dad Who Can’t Work the TV Remote. (Let’s be honest, sometimes that’s all of us in one week.)


These labels start out as jokes. They can stick. See yourself as just “the taxi driver” or “the discipline guy,” and you might miss the other things you already do or could be doing.



Why Labels Can Box You In


Labels feel neat. Parenting is messy. One minute you’re Mr Fun, the next you’re Detective Homework, and sometimes you’re just Flat Battery Dad lying on the couch while Bluey does the heavy lifting.


Lock yourself into a “type” and you end up performing a role instead of showing up honestly. It also lets you off the hook. “I’m not the emotional type” becomes an excuse. “I’m the fun one” becomes a dodge.



"There’s no perfect parenting style, but self-aware parenting, where you reflect on your impact is consistently linked to better relationships and healthier kids."




The Real Question: How Do You Show Up?


Forget the quiz. Ask this instead:


  • How do I react when my kid’s had a rough day?

  • When they mess up?

  • When I’m tired and they still need me?


You don’t need to be the Best Dad Ever™. You just need to notice how you show up, especially when it’s not easy.



Spot Your Strengths (And Blind Spots)


Thinking about this stuff means you already care. That’s step one. Next is figuring out your go-to patterns:


  • Are you all action - but skip the chats?

  • Big on feelings - but drop the follow-through?

  • Solid with little kids - but struggle with teens?


You’re not locked in. Awareness gives you choice.



Forget the Label. Be the Legend.


You don’t need a name badge that says “Fun Dad” or “Strict Dad.” You need to be the guy who shows up - on the good days, the rough ones, and the ones where everyone just eats toast for dinner.


So chuck the categories. Your kid isn’t asking for a type. They’re asking for you - the full-strength, slightly flawed, always-learning version.



DADDING IN ACTION

Ask your kid what they reckon you're good at as a dad. Listen properly. Then double down on that.


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